Hoyer: Title IX a Significant Victory for Gender Equality

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement commemorating the 35th anniversary of Title IX, which is tomorrow, Saturday, June 23rd:

"Tomorrow we recognize the 35th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a truly significant day on the path to equality for women. Title IX ended gender discrimination in all education programs, both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Young women were finally given the chance to excel, and told - correctly - that they can do anything.

"As a result of Title IX, women are pursuing careers in fields that were previously closed to them, or that had very few female members. Today, women are scientists, engineers, doctors, and lawyers. They are taking their rightful place in board rooms across the country. In colleges, women's participation in athletics has increased an astonishing 400%. In high schools, that percentage is even higher: 800% more girls are participating in sports than they were 35 years ago.

"As the father of three daughters, I have seen first-hand the positive effects of Title IX, both in promoting equal treatment for women in schools and athletics, and in encouraging young women to pursue their dreams. The success of Title IX is clear, but we must not rest on past accomplishments. We must do all we can to strengthen and enforce Title IX to ensure that everyone - women and men - are given every opportunity to succeed."